An estimated 3,500 tennis fans gathered on Henman Hill to support Arthur Fery in his Wimbledon semi-final against Alexander Zverev, the Guardian reports. The 23-year-old Briton, who entered the tournament as a wildcard, lost to the German Grand Slam winner and second seed. Spectators crowded every available patch of grass to watch the match on a giant screen.
Before the end of the first set, the hill – officially named Aorangi Terrace – was so packed that it had to be closed. A queue of disappointed Fery fans snaked around the grounds. One security guard asked in desperation: ‘Where are all these people coming from?’ A fan shouted: ‘It’s crazy to get a spot on the hill!’
Deborah Sampson had traveled from Essex to support Fery in person. ‘He’s another rising British star for us, after Andy Murray,’ she said. ‘I think he should have won, but it’s disappointing,’ she added, consoling herself that at 23 he ‘still has a long way to go. He’ll be back next year.’ Claire Churchill from Leatherhead praised the atmosphere on the hill as ‘brilliant’ and was delighted by the standing ovation for Fery despite the defeat.
Henry Rosenstock, who supported Zverev, said: ‘I’ve been following his matches and I know what it’s about – and yes, it’s pretty big, I mean, he’s a wildcard player, so it’s even more special.’ George Pitchford from Clapham, who arrived an hour before the match to secure a spot, said: ‘It’s crazy, I’ve never seen it this full.’ Johnny Aitkens from Wandsworth noted the crowd was ‘quite tense.’ Sebastian Hazzan from London hoped to find a new tennis star to root for: ‘I love an underdog, and he’s an inspiration.’
Source: www.theguardian.com
